Mathematics

Arithmetic

Arithmetic covers basic calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and percentages.

Math is fun

This site offers straightforward explanations and can be searched either using the topic buttons or keywords in the search bar.

• Select the Numbers button for information and exercises.

• Then go down the page to find information on topics like Decimals or Binary Digits.

• Or, use the search function to enter the keyword 'Algebra' to bring up articles on the topic.

Tips: Search words, or keywords, are the most important words in our question. You can leave out small words like ‘the’ and ‘of’ and just choose the main ones, eg 'Algebra'. We can always change our keywords or add more if we need to.

Algebra

Algebra is about using letters or symbols in place of numbers.

Purplemath

Purplemath has a strong focus on algebra and has some topics on trigonometry.

• From the top menu select Lessons.

• You will find a list of Algebra lessons grouped under headings like Intermediate Algebra Topics and Advanced Algebra Topics.

• Choose lessons like Number Bases or Solving Linear Equations to get full explanations and examples.

Tips: Websites that have .com or .co in the address can have good information, but you need to assess how reliable it is. Check the About us link on the website, if you can find one. That can tell you what the company’s mission and values are.

MathsCentre

This New Zealand website is based on the school curriculum. It is free to use and has videos and online resources for students of all ages.

• Select High School from the top menu, then Algebra from the drop-down menu.

• Either watch a video or download a pdf on your chosen topic.

Tips: Some websites have .au, .nz, .uk or other codes in their url. This can tell you which country this website comes from eg .au is from Australia or .nz is from New Zealand. This is a New Zealand website so relevant for us.

Geometry (space and measurement)

The study of geometry deals with points, lines, shapes, 2D and 3D, and space, while measurement shows the amount or size of an object.

Khan Academy

This site is more suited for secondary school. You can search maths at a variety of levels and aspects.

• Look down the page to the heading Math: high school & college and select Geometry.

• This page has units about different geometry topics with explanations and practice questions eg Unit 8: Circles.

Tips: Websites with .org or .net in the address can have good information, but you need to assess their reliability. Check the About us link on the website if you can find one. That can tell you the organisation’s mission and values.

Calculus

Calculus is a branch of mathematics that extends from algebra and geometry. It focuses on rates of change like acceleration, curves and slopes.

Maths First

A great place where secondary and tertiary students can go for help with maths. It's an online math resource featuring interactive practice sessions, video tutorials and quizzes.

• From the menu on the left select Online Maths Help and then Calculus.

• Choose a subtopic to read an explanation with examples.

Tips: We like sites like this because they’re reliable. You can tell because of their web address. They have .govt or .ac, meaning they are from government or educational organisations. They’re also New Zealand sites, so relevant for us.

Statistics

Statistics deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organisation of data.

Khan Academy

This site is more suited for secondary school. You can search maths at a variety of levels and aspects.

• Go to Courses at the top of the page, then look under Math: High School & College for Statistics and Probability.

• You will find units about different statistics topics with explanations and practice questions eg Unit 2: Displaying and Comparing Quantitative Data.

Stats NZ

This is a government site full of New Zealand related statistics and the application of statistics in society.

• Go to Statistics then select Statistics by Topic.

• The page has headings like Population, Labour market, Environment, Society, Economy, Business and Māori.

• Explore the articles under the headings to find statistics and data on changes and trends over the years.

NCEA

Here are a couple more websites that contain maths information specifically for NCEA.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

The NZQA website has NCEA subject resources. This website is aimed at teachers but contains information about the assessment criteria, and credits each topic is worth.

• Go down the page to Maths.

• You can check out examination papers and examples.

• You can also look at annotated exemplars for NCEA papers. These are examples with comments that explain the important aspects of the NCEA standard.

Maths Centre

Maths Centre has been mentioned in the entry above and is another useful site to go to for NCEA information.

• Look down the page for High School (years 11-13).

• Choose a topic to find out more or look at the Homework or Various Sheets and Exams resources.

EPIC resources

EPIC is a collection of reliable databases covering lots of different topics. It’s put together especially for New Zealand school students and helps to answer questions like this.

Britannica School

Britannica School is part of EPIC and will help you find information on the history of mathematics.

• Select Middle or Secondary.

• Enter the keyword 'mathematics' into the search bar.

• Select the article called Mathematics.

Tips: To use the EPIC resources, you need a password from your school librarian. Or chat with one of our AnyQuestions librarians between 1 and 6pm Monday to Friday to help you online. Some EPIC databases may also be available through your public library.

Books

Look for books on maths in your school library or public library. Here are some titles to help you begin your search:

• Easy as pi: maths made simple by Liz Strachan

• Numbers are forever by Liz Strachan

• Maths problems and investigations by Greg Purcekkm

• Maths tricks to blow your mind by Kyle D Evans

• Maths. Level 2. Algebra. by Inspiration Education Ltd.

SCIS no: 1873804